Real deal Tigers pounce to claim big scalp

July 29 2008

Shepparton News

Cobram has announced itself as a genuine premiership contender after a double-strike from Clorinda Iannucci gave it a 2-1 win against Shepparton United at Central Park on Sunday.

The loss ended a 21-game winning streak for the reigning women's North Eastern Soccer League premier, while Cobram has stayed in the mix for a top-two finish.

The Tigers moved to 32 points with the win to stay in third place, one behind Shepparton in second on 33, while United remains clear on top with 45.

United tasted defeat for just the third time since September 2003, Shepparton in the 2005 grand final and Tatura in last year's home and away season the only sides to topple the Blues in almost five years.

Jess Theobald put United 1-0 up in the opening minutes of the first half, but Cobram turned the game after the break when Christina Kalz moved into the outfield and Jane Webb into goal.

Iannucci came to the fore late in the second half, scoring both goals as Cobram took the lead and held on to a memorable win.

Only occasionally available to Cobram due to work commitments, Iannucci said her teammates had risen to the task of taking on United.

The midfielder-forward hadn't played for the Tigers since mid-June in round 10.

``The girls have kept working hard and improved a lot in the last five weeks,'' Iannucci said.

``United is a solid side and good across the park, so this was a good win for our team.''

Iannucci has played previously with South Melbourne in the women's state league as well as top level teams in Canberra.

``It's been exhilarating to come back to my roots,'' the 35-year-old said.

``Women's soccer has grown so much and is supported so well here now.''

At Northern Oval, Kyabram, the home team held out in the first half before falling to Shepparton for a 1-0 defeat.

Suzan Tanrikulu held her nerve from the penalty spot to score the Reds' winning goal.